Appointment preparation

The tattooing process can be an unpleasant one. But there are several things you can do in preparation to help make the experience more comfortable.

° Like most things in life having good health in general goes a long way. Make sure you drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment and eat a good meal before hand to avoid low blood sugar.

° Being hung over for a tattoo blows, try and take it easy the night before and get plenty of sleep.

° Wear clothing that will allow easy access to the area. Preferably something you aren't too attached to, things get messy and some times clothes get stained.

° If the area is covered in hair a pre-shave is appreciated. We will do it, but it will be semi dry with a shitty disposable razor, do yourself a favor and take care of it before hand.

° Tattoos take as long as they take. Make sure when you schedule your appointment you aren't going to be rushed.

° If it is a longer session bring a small snack and something to drink. Even if you aren't normally a snacker you'll appreciate it after the 2-3 hours.

° Getting tattooed is boring, you are sitting in the same spot for hours and you can't really move much. If you are the antsy type bring a book or something to keep yourself occupied.

° If you plan to watch videos or listen to music please bring head phones.

suggested aftercare

Tattoo aftercare is fairly subjective and varies from person to person. If you've been tattooed by more than one person you've probably heard more than one set of aftercare instructions. In reality your body knows how to heal itself, aftercare instructions are mostly a list of common sense things to make that process more comfortable.

° Always wash your hands before doing anything to your new tattoo.Average healing time is roughly two weeks.

° Remove your bandage after two or three hours. Gently wash the area with a mild soap free of heavy scents and dyes. be sure to clean away all of the left over goo and sliminess. Wash your new tattoo two to three times a day, be sure to gently pat it dry with a clean towel.

° When it comes to aftercare products there is no shortage of options. Most lotions and ointments will do the trick. The important thing is that they are not heavily scented or dyed. It rubs the lotion on the skin 3-4 times a day making sure to rub it in all of the way. Never use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, bactine, neosporin or straight petroleum jelly.

° Clean bedding and clothing goes a long way. Especially if you have pets.

° Do not pick or scratch at your healing tattoo. There is a very thin layer of new skin holding your new tattoo in, if you break that surface pigment will fall out.

° Soaking your new tattoo will have the same negative affect. No pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, baths, oceans, inlets, bays, sensory deprivation tanks or any other body of water is okay. No exceptions.

° The sun and tanning beds are certain doom for your tattoo. Keep them covered during the healing process. Once healed continue to keep them covered or be extremely diligent about sunscreen.

° Ignore your friends advice, they don't know what they are talking about. Even if they have a bunch of tattoos they still don't have the experience or knowledge base that we have nor are they going to be the one fixing your tattoo when you fuck it up following their advice.